- Yes
- No
History and introduction
In 1993, the German MOD launched the requirements for the new NGP (Neue Gepanzerte Plattformen). This gave rise to a set of new research and trials. Among them, Diehl was awarded a contract to investigate into developing two active protection systems. The AFSS (Aktives Fahrzeug Schutz System) anti-ATGM system and the AKESS (Aktives KE Schutz System) anti-KE penetrator system. Diehl set on to researching and developing the protection systems of the future.
By 1999, funded by the German procurement agency, BWB, Diehl BGT had developed the AWiSS (AbstandsWirksames SchutzSystem – active stand-off protection system). A combined APS for both KE and CE threats. This was tested on a few different platforms, among them, was the Leopard 2. The AWiSS prototype trials and research paved the way for developing the succeeding AVePS (Active Vehicle Protection System) by Diehl BGT and even the IronFist to an extent as part of the MAPS (mutual active protection system) program.
For more detail about how AWiSS works, read the scanned document in the technical specifications tab.
The Leopard 2 AVePS prototype is the Leopard 2 AWiSS (AbstandsWirksames SchutzSystem – active stand-off protection system) prototype as the AWiSS is the prototype of the AVePS. It was tested on the Leopard 2AV (PT20/T21/D) combination.
For reference during modelling, the PT20 has registration number Y-04 003 and the T21 has its number T21/D inscribed on its side
Technical specifications
Crew: 4
Maximum Speed: 68kmph forwards, 31kmph reverse
Weight: 57-58t (depending on which gun is mounted)
Engine power: 1500hp
Power/weight: 25.86hp/t
Transmission: Renk HSWL 354
Suspension: Torsion Bar
Primary Armament: 105mm cannon (can be switched out for a 120mm L/44 as seen in some images) (40 rounds, 12 rounds First order)
Vertical traverse: -9/+20° (Rate = 40°/s)
Horizontal traverse: 360° (Rate = 40°/s)
Co-Axial: 7.62mm MG (4600 rounds)
Weight added: ~500-600kg (APS as well as L/44)
Increase to total height: ~400mm
Gunner sight: 4x to 12x zoom
Commander sight: 2x to 8x zoom
NVD: Yes
TVD: No
Active protection system: Yes
APS charges: 4 left, 4 right (reloads carried in hull storage and can be reloaded without exiting the vehicle)
Maximum threat detection distance: 75m
Standard interception distance: 10-25m (distance at which the APS usually destroys the threat)
Minimum engagement distance: <10m (distance at which the APS can engage)
System reaction time: <300-355ms
Launcher traverse rate: >600°/s
Countermeasure warhead: 3kg HE/HE-Frag
Threats list:
- KEP
- CEP (inc. ATGMs)
- Top Attack (inc. AGMs)
AWiSS and how it works
Testing
Recent operational testing was undertaken on July of 2006. The system was deployed on a Leopard 2 MBT and was shown to the German military, MOD representatives and international delegations. It successfully detected, locked and destroyed a rapidly approaching MILAN ATGM.
Extra info
In order to keep the exterior size of the system to a minimum, AWiSS/AVePS motors need to be drilled into the vehicles roof armour. They require around 400mm inside the turret hence. Careful sealing is necessary as the elements can creep inside the new openings.
If only one launcher is used, only a 240° sector can be defended from incoming threats. Hence, two launchers are used to provide the full 360° coverage. Each launcher has an integrated IR sensor and the main system comprises of 4 Ka-Band MMW radar units at each corner of the vehicle.
Visual References
Sources
- Patent for AKESS and AFSS
- Patent PDF
- BW website showing Leopard 2AV (PT20/T21/D)
- Gesamtwerk Leopard 2
- Diehl BGT Demonstrates Mutual Active Protection System (MAPS) - Defense Update:
- Army Guide
- AWiSS – Active Protection System Suite - Defense Update:
- https://defense-update.com/20060425_hard-kill.html
- Army Guide (russian one has more info)
- Army Guide
- Rheinmetall Defence - Active Defence System ADS
- Active protection systems APS
- World Defense Review: Diehl´s Active Vehicle Protection System
- Diehl´s Active Vehicle Protection System - RP Defense
- Below The Turret Ring: Hardkill APS overview
- Below The Turret Ring: Future Leopard 2 improvments?
- Leopard 2 Tank Developments | Page 3 | Secret Projects Forum
- leopard 2 - NamuWiki
- Below The Turret Ring: Hardkill APS overview
- Collaborative Point Paper on Active Protection Systems (PDF)
- Asia pacific defense report, mention of AWiSS and AVePS
- Diehl webpage for AVePs
- PDF about AWiSS and AVePS (804.5 KB)